A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Connecticut

 

Explore the Benefits of Retiring in the Constitution State

Connecticut offers retirees a true sense of diversity regarding its climate and population.

The state experiences all four seasons. Densely populated cities, bucolic rural and agricultural regions, and quaint suburbs can all be found within Connecticut’s borders. The state’s coastline stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, so you’re never far from the beach. Connecticut's state parks and other natural areas are ideal for active seniors who like to fish, swim, hike, and birdwatch.

Connecticut has many college towns and urban areas. It’s renowned for welcoming people of differing ethnicities and belief systems. Retirees often find the state desirable thanks to its tolerant atmosphere, with many cultural sites and temples found throughout the state.

The state has a well-educated population and gets exceptional grades for senior healthcare options.

For retirees looking to vacation during retirement, Bradley International Airport (BDL) offers flights to locations worldwide. Its central location on the east coast makes it easy to take a day trip further north or head down to the southern states during the colder months.

 

Connecticut’s Diverse Regions and Cities

From the bustling cities of Hartford and New Haven to the quiet towns of Plymouth and Tolland, Connecticut, 55+ active adults live diverse lifestyles.

While some larger cities have a higher cost of living, they also have upscale restaurants and stores. Many affordable suburbs outside the city are close to parks, beaches, and other outdoor activity hotspots.

Fairfield

Fairfield may be an excellent option for active seniors looking to spend time outside during retirement! The area features local shops and restaurants, parks, baseball fields, and multiple beaches along the coast.

Stratford has a beachy feel, offering seniors numerous historical museums to explore.

Hartford

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford, is one of the state’s largest cities with abundant attractions. It has a notable healthcare industry and historic districts. Outside the city lies Suffield, a rural community with agricultural and architectural remnants from its history.

Litchfield

Living in the agricultural center of Litchfield feels like stepping back into history, as many buildings date back to the 18th century! Similarly, Plymouth is equally historic, with museums and other sites that harken back to Connecticut’s colonial period.

New Haven

New Haven was once one of the two capitals of Connecticut. It remains a center for dining, shopping, and live entertainment. It’s also a travel hub with easy access to the beaches of Long Island Sound and the home of the Ivy League research university, Yale University.

The residential town of Oxford has a small-town charm. It contains parks, hiking trails, and both art and history museums.

New London

The seaport city of New London was initially known for its whaling industry. It remains a fishing town with access to quiet beaches that seniors will love. The area is also home to the Coast Guard Academy and its storied military history.

The town of Mystic houses its seaport. It’s a coastal village with a bustling winery and brewery scene.

Middlesex

Middlesex County is located in the center of Connecticut, making it an accessible location to travel from various regions and bordering states. Its largest city is Middletown, an urban center that’s predominantly residential. It lies along the Connecticut River, where water sports are popular.

Tolland

Historic Tolland is a quaint, rural area perfect for empty nesters looking for a small-town feel. There are many parks and forested areas. Retirees can shop for penny candies at old-timey stores or go tubing down the Willimantic River as its eastern border.

Windham

Windham is a university town home to many museums and a few breweries. Much of the architecture here dates back to the Victorian era.

 

Connecticut’s Main Attractions and Things to Do for Seniors

With a significant cultural scene and warm weather for most of the year, it’s easy to stay active when you retire in Connecticut. Spend your time learning about the state’s history, attending live performances, and staying active both indoors and outdoors.

Things to Do On Your Community Property

Maximize your free time and stay moving right on your community’s property. Many master-planned 55+ neighborhoods have year-round indoor pools or seasonal outdoor pools. From tennis courts to golf courses, Connecticut’s communities support a healthy lifestyle for seniors.

Gather at the Clubhouse

Clubhouses are the central hub of many 55+ communities in Connecticut. They have rec rooms for hobbies and interest groups and often host live entertainment. With the amount of ethnic diversity in the state, your community clubhouse is a welcoming place to host or attend a festival that reflects the cultures of your neighbors.   

Some clubhouses have pickleball and tennis courts, plus sporting equipment available for use by their residents.

Play Golf

Enjoy the convenience of having a golf course next to your home when you live on or near a golf course community. In Connecticut, these golf courses are open seasonally.

The state's golf courses feature greens, a driving range, an 18-hole course, pro shops, restaurants, and more.

Workout at the Community Fitness Center

Community fitness centers have everything you need to practice your workout routine. Low-impact exercises like strength training and cycling on a stationary bike are easy on the joints.

Some fitness centers hold yoga and Pilates classes. Others may have an indoor pool where you can try water aerobics.

Keep Busy With Nearby Activities

Are you looking to enjoy Connecticut’s four seasons to the fullest? Take a short trip to the state’s famous attractions. Head to the shore for a day of fun in the sun in the summer, or stay busy indoors at casinos and entertainment venues during the colder months.

Play a Round at the State’s Best Golf Courses

In addition to the golf courses available within communities, Connecticut has many country clubs and independent golf courses open to the public. Some of the best in the state for seniors include Lake of Isles, Stanwich Club, and Wintonbury Hills.

Try Your Luck at Casinos

Enjoy the thrills of playing the slots or card games at Connecticut’s casinos.

The Foxwoods Casino is the largest in the state. It functions like an all-inclusive resort with restaurants and a spa. Connecticut is also home to Mohegan Sun. Watch live performances in between games and experience top-quality shopping and dining onsite.

Enjoy Water Sports on Rivers and the Ocean

Connecticut’s shores and rivers are popular destinations for those who enjoy outdoor water sports!

For a relaxing experience, try tubing down a river or taking a sunset cruise along the coast. More adventurous types may enjoy boating, fishing, and water skiing.

 

Why Connecticut Appeals to Seniors

Connecticut is known for having many prestigious colleges, which have been a driving factor in bringing new residents to the area. The prevalence of Universities is just as true for 55+ adults as it is for younger students, as seniors can take advantage of tuition-free college at multiple universities throughout the state.

Connecticut is rich in history. From colonial times to military conflict, museums and historic locations tell the stories of the past.

The state’s four seasons also make it popular with 55+ active adults. The variety of weather conditions allows for various sports and other outdoor activities for seniors who retire in Connecticut.

 

Types of Popular 55+ Residences and Communities

Are you seeking the perfect 55+ community or all-ages residence to suit your needs? Connecticut has many kinds of communities for seniors. Explore everything from luxury rental options to affordable manufactured homes.

Golf Course Communities

Residential master-planned golf course communities in Connecticut often double as gated communities. They come with all the amenities of luxury rental apartments and country clubs, plus the added safety of a private residence.

They’re especially well-suited for retirees who can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day than on the golf course!

Condominiums

The condominium (condo) lifestyle is appealing if you want to retire in your private space while still downsizing to affordable accommodations. Additionally, they help build a sense of community with your fellow condo residents.

Condominiums designed as active lifestyle communities are also equipped with exercise amenities. These include fitness centers and pools alongside more laid-back walking and biking paths.

Apartments

Apartment-style residences are available for retirees and 55+ residents. Many of the most sought-after luxury apartments are in or near Connecticut’s more prominent cities like Hartford and New Haven. Luxury apartment communities mean you can retire close to entertainment, dining, shopping, casinos, and more!

 

Senior-Friendly Healthcare Options

Connecticut has robust senior healthcare facilities and affordable insurance programs. As a state with many universities, there’s no shortage of healthcare workers.

Stamford Health provides comprehensive care to seniors. VA Connecticut is a healthcare system associated with Veterans Affairs that helps connect veterans with quality, affordable care options.